Feb 25, 2010

Transference-Spoon

Spoon are a much acclaimed band. Critics and fans give them much love upon each and every release. But paradoxically they are in someways under rated. How so? Well, it seems to me lately that the idea has been floated that Spoon are good at producing unsurprising, solid music. Enjoyable but not revolutionary music. Now I would agree that this band's music is certainly not revolutionary. But I would also contend that it is nearly always excellent and full of substance, character and much flavour. Their music is definitely and defiantly different. Distinctive, I would say. Those sparse guitars, crisp melodies and authentic Daniel vocals float over the airwaves and you know you can only be listening to one band and that band is Spoon. Many, many bands would kill for the repertoire that this band has created. Their knack for producing unique, transluscent rhythms and melodies should never, ever be undersold. So, we now come to "Transference", their latest opus. I can inform you that, in my opinion, it is great. Impressive, outstanding. Maybe a slither of a notch below their previous masterworks. But only a slither. It delights and tranfixes. Damn you Spoon, you have done it again.

"Transference" represents the first record that Spoon have made without a producer. The band orchestrated the music themselves and it certainly is reflected in the sound. Apparently they aimed for a somewhat more immediate effect. Rawer, less compromised. It's certainly there, with the overall sound having a barer, more stripped back feel. Exhibit one is the opener "Before Destruction" which quietly starts with a spare snare drum before opening up with a Daniel vocal that is sparse and plaintive. Guitar work here is dramatic and scant, delicate with effect. The short and sharp "Is Love Forever?" opens things up a bit with its punchy back and forth. But then "The Mystery Zone" continues the path of slender musings with its meandering and slightly ominous tone. This is a song that caresses and clinches the listener. If "Who Makes Your Money" is a slight misstep, then "Written In Reverse" picks up the baton again. This song is raw and bruised, its woozy piano line ably backing up an uncooked and bloody vocal by Britt Daniel. It also features some killer guitar line. As does my favourite cut on the album in "I Saw The Light". This song rumbles and tumbles, building momentum with impressive force. A tour de force you could say. "Out Go The Lights" is a highlight as well, considered and ingrained with that inimitable Spoon sound. The sound of instruments to the fore, each one with an uncommon voice. Backing that begrimed, world weary voice of the best dressed man in rock and roll. The album finishes with the buzz saw cut of "Got Nuffin" and the almost funky "Nobody Gets Me But You", giving us the full Spoon spectrum. Yes, once again this band has delivered. They have sent us music that is rough around the edges, but pulsating with the stuff of life. Heart and soul.

2 Comments:

  • At February 26, 2010 , Blogger WEB SHERIFF said...

    WEB SHERIFF
    Who You Gonna Call
    Tel 44-(0)208-323 8013
    Fax 44-(0)208 323 8080
    websheriff@websheriff.com
    www.websheriff.com

    Hi Wayne,

    On behalf of Merge Records and Spoon, many thanks for plugging "Transference" on your site (Spoon's new chart-topping album) ..... thanks, also, on behalf of the label and artist for not posting any pirate links to newly released (studio) material and, if you / your readers want good quality, non-pirated, preview tracks, then a full length version of "Written in Reverse" is available for fans and bloggers to post / host / share etc at www.mergerecords.com/blog/2010/02/new-spoon-video-for-written-in-reverse/ ... .. for further details of the new album, on-line promotions, videos and 2010 shows, check-out the band's official site at www.spoontheband.com and keep an eye on official sources for details of further Spoon news, preview material and on-line promotions.

    Also and as a goodwill gesture to fans and bloggers, an exclusive preview stream of the full album is now available via the label's and the band's sites at www.mergerecords.com/store/jukebox2.php?catalog_id=685 and www.spoontheband.com ... .. this is for hyper-linking ONLY and for streaming by fans directly off the official sites, so please reciprocate this goodwill gesture by NOT ripping or embedding these files.

    Thanks again for your plug.

    Regards,

    WEB SHERIFF

     
  • At February 27, 2010 , Blogger James said...

    wayne,

    as the web sheriff's unofficial deputy i just wanted to let you know: you are being watched. thank you for not breaking the law. we'll get you if you do.

    i'm not into this album like every other album they've done over the past 12 years. it's good, but

     

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